USDA

USDA Grant Initiative - Project Complete

USDA Grant Delivers Training, Technology, and Long-Term Plans for Tribal Communities

TSWAN is proud to announce the successful completion of all deliverables under this USDA-funded project.

Project Impact at a Glance

9 People trained for the Compost Facility Operator Training (CFOT),
3 Onsite waste audits conducted,
3 Tribes received Integrated Solid Waste Management Plans (ISWMPs).

Operator Training

At the heart of this project was people. Nine individuals — including staff from four Tribes and two TSWAN employees — completed a compost facility operator training program, building hands-on skills that will sustain effective compost operations for years to come. Each participating Tribe also received a Community Solid Waste Plan tailored to their specific needs and goals.

Innovation in Waste Auditing

This project piloted a new approach to waste auditing — combining on-site assessment with AI-assisted technology to deliver more detailed, actionable data. Three audits were completed and submitted to USDA, representing a forward step in how tribal communities can use emerging tools to understand and reduce their waste streams.

Integrated Solid Waste Management Plans

Three Tribes received fully developed Integrated Solid Waste Management Plans (ISWMPs) through this project:

Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Native Village of Port Heiden

These plans give each community a comprehensive roadmap for managing solid waste in a way that protects public health, preserves natural resources, and reflects their values as sovereign nations.

About Composting

Composting turns organic waste — food scraps, yard waste, and more — into nutrient-rich soil amendment through natural decomposition. It reduces landfill waste, cuts methane emissions, supports sustainable agriculture, and improves soil health for farmers and gardeners alike. USDA's support of composting reflects its commitment to sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship.

For more information, visit www.usda.gov/about-usda

Overview of USDA Grant Initiatives

Under this USDA Grant, TSWAN supported tribal communities in revising Integrated Solid Waste Management Plans, implementing composting programs, and conducting Waste Characterization Studies. This included completing initial meetings, drafting plan revisions, providing implementation support, and managing logistics for waste audits. To support this work, TSWAN developed a Waste Stream Analysis Template and a Composting Facilities Template — tools that help tribes make informed decisions about organic waste management.

This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Views expressed are those of the TSWAN team and do not necessarily reflect the views of USDA.

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